Beaucerons?

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I've met them, and I know a few service dog handlers with them. From the impression I've gotten they can be a bit tricky to deal with. Forceful personalities with big opinions on what they like and don't like.

I wouldn't say they are temperamentally similar to Dobermanns, no. I would liken the ones I know to some of the larger, 'sharper' herders, something more like a Bouvier. They still, as a rare breed in the US, retain some of the more rustic qualities typical of breeds from continental Europe, and are regarded as being all-rounders.

The ones we know compete in high-level obedience and herding. I like them and they also aren't quite as sensitive in some ways as (at least American) Dobermann, who can get all butthurt over the littlest disapproval.

I've been reading up on them as I am interested in maybe getting one in the future. Apparently they can be sensitive and some lines have temperament issues-- not the breed as a whole, but some lines are prone to problems. They are somewhat similar to GSDs but can be more sharp and more aloof (and less health issues.)

A breed I'm definitely interested in getting in the future.
Unfortunately my only experience with the breed is at a handful of agility trials...but they were absolutely stunning.

As mentioned, they're a "harder" temperamented breed than other herders. Which is something I've been looking for. My 2 are so soft, I'd love to try something different.
I've heard that they're more on the "serious" and no-nonsense side than many other dogs.

What I've read is that Beacueron's are being developed to be more "socially acceptable". This is sort of concerning as I wonder how far they're going to go with this goal of acceptance in mind. These are supposed to be hardened dogs, and not say a Labrador Retriever (not meaning to offend anyone of course, but they are known for their people skills).

MY PP trainer just took on a client with one, though I have never personally seen one in action.

From my own research into them, and from information provided by people like Tiller, I have determined they are not the breed for me.

Some people click well with certain dogs, and that's ok. But personally I see the Beauceron as another dog who people seek to take on because he's exotic- not necessarily because he is the perfect dog for them.

They are a rare breed in this country, few have actually worked with them long enough and extensively enough to really appreciate the heart of those dogs. That lack of knowledge is what scares me, and for a breed like this lends itself to mistrust, especially considering the nature of the breed itself. Sharp genetics deteriorate quickly in the hands of fools, and unfortunately with breeds like the Beauceron, who are more than JUST sharp, can lead to a fork in the road that travels in two unfortunate directions. Its not a dog I would want to get from just ANY breeder, and I feel there are enough of the "any" types that I would steer clear for that reason alone.

If Beaucerons interest you, why not consider something like a Rottie? PLEASE do not less health issues scare you away... as with anything, there are good genetics and there are bad, and there are enough wonderful breeders in any breed that you CAN find a healthy individual if you just set out to find them. I can drop you some names of wonderful Rott breeders who produce beautiful, healthy dogs if that's something that might ever interest you. As a breed I think Rottweilers are much more stable in this country, and honestly better suited to service work than a Beauceron.

I tend to agree with Mulder on this. While I've seen a few people with them as service dogs they didn't get them because they wanted a service dog, they got into the breed because they were familiar with it. I wouldn't put them in the same class as Dobe's because even some of the more unstable dobe lines Want to work for you, and still tend to be very velcro... the Beauceron's I've met and dealt with are not like that... more of a I can take you or loose you attitude. They are generally Large enough for mobility but they are a challenging breed to work with from what I can tell.

The Beaucerons I have dealt with have been VERY dog aggressive and territorial. I have known several people who put them to sleep when they turned 2-3 because of aggression issues. Tricky dogs. I've known a lot of dobermans who were temperamentally sound, I don't know of any put to sleep because of aggression issues in my circles. No, I wouldn't compare them to dobermans at all